Powassan virus found in Massachusetts for first time in 2024

Powassan is a rare, tick-borne illness that does not cause symptoms in most people who have been infected. In some cases, however, the virus can lead to severe illness, including meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself.) Symptoms- which include fever, headaches, vomiting, weakness, lack of coordination, confusion, difficulty speaking, and seizures- generally appear one week to one month after being bitten by an infected tick.

According to the Sharon Health Department, you can minimize your risk by taking the following steps:

• Use a repellent with DEET. More information on choosing a repellent and how to use repellents safely is included in the DPH Public Health Fact Sheet on Tick Repellents.
• Wear long, light-colored pants tucked into socks or boots and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Stay on trails when walking or hiking, and avoid the edge habitat where ticks are likely to be.
• Showering immediately after potential tick exposure may help remove unattached ticks.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tick control options (tick collars, repellents) for your pets.
• After spending time in an area likely to have ticks, check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks.

22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts in March 1953. Watch the 22News digital edition on weekdays at 4 p.m.